Fatal crashes By the numbers

Since then, there have been 41,252 fatalities - nearly the population of San Marcos, according to Texas Department of Transportation.

This year alone, there have been 2,545 fatalities on Texas roads.

TxDOT Executive Director Phil Wilson said in a news release that one fatal wreck is too many, and days with eight or more are unacceptable.

He is urging Texans to help make the roadways safer.

In 2011, Texas saw 3,048 traffic fatalities, the majority of which resulted from drunken driving, distracted driving and not wearing a seatbelt, according to TxDOT.

TxDOT continues to partner with the Texas Department of Public Safety and local law enforcement to protect all drivers on our roadways, according to the news release.

"Texas state troopers are dedicated to protecting the public and they will continue working to identify and remove dangerous drivers from our highways," DPS Director Steven McCraw said in a news release.

He urges all drivers to be responsible, eliminate distractions and put phones away, adhere to the posted traffic signs, use the left lane only for passing, and ensure everyone in the vehicle is buckled up.

In trying to inform drivers on the dangers of driving without a seatbelt, drunken driving and distracted driving, TxDOT is posting the number of fatalities to date on dynamic message signs along Texas highways.

Each month, this number is updated and drivers can see it along with a message on how to drive safely.

"Together we can reduce the dangers on our roadways and improve safety for everyone," McCraw said in the news release.